tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post5515651369845634534..comments2024-03-28T07:57:49.338+00:00Comments on Poul Anderson Appreciation: Future History BuildingKetlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08588156788583883454noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-46851607440675384642022-11-19T18:16:22.907+00:002022-11-19T18:16:22.907+00:00Kaor, Jim and Paul!
Jim: You reminded me of Niven...Kaor, Jim and Paul!<br /><br />Jim: You reminded me of Niven/Pournelle's novel FOOTFALL, where we see elephant-like aliens invading Earth. These beings had trunks which had multiple tendrils used for many of the functions of fingers.<br /><br />When all is said and done, that seems more likely and practical than trying to use tails for more than the simplest purposes.<br /><br />Paul: An elephant's trunk can be used for gripping things, but not for things requiring precision and delicacy. Also, elephants use their trunks for breathing and smelling.<br /><br />Ad astra! SeanSean M. Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13973738112230622557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-61540315025945930672022-11-19T17:42:36.237+00:002022-11-19T17:42:36.237+00:00An elephant's trunk is another extra limb.An elephant's trunk is another extra limb.paulshackley2017@gmail.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17704115766930975286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-70068067396732141432022-11-19T16:11:16.895+00:002022-11-19T16:11:16.895+00:00Interesting point.
Is there any reason a tail with...Interesting point.<br />Is there any reason a tail with fingers couldn't evolve in some biology unrelated to ours?<br />Even without fingers the tail would be used to hold something while more delicate work is done with actual hands.Jim Baerghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03182949391365921637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-8943822040071551542022-11-19T03:26:44.077+00:002022-11-19T03:26:44.077+00:00Kaor, Jim!
Yes, but how much can you really DO wi...Kaor, Jim!<br /><br />Yes, but how much can you really DO with a tail, if it does not have fingers?<br /><br />Ad astra! SeanSean M. Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13973738112230622557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-79746026016577393282022-11-18T20:41:17.965+00:002022-11-18T20:41:17.965+00:00Odd number of limbs?
Consider any monkey with a pr...Odd number of limbs?<br />Consider any monkey with a prehensile tail.Jim Baerghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03182949391365921637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3538502828554372917.post-78554782499844665662016-03-25T06:39:19.352+00:002016-03-25T06:39:19.352+00:00Kaor, Paul!
I too thought four or six limbs more ...Kaor, Paul!<br /><br />I too thought four or six limbs more convenient and logical than races like the Moties, Thrintum slave technicians, or Jotoki having and odd number of limbs. And the Jotoki were once the employers of the Kzinti, whom they had hired to be their mercenaries.<br /><br />SeanSean M. Brookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13973738112230622557noreply@blogger.com